Did you know that thefts from vehicles represent a large percentage of property crimes reported in Memphis?
Thefts from vehicles can be prevented — Don’t be a victim!
STOW IT DOWNLOADABLE BROCHURE – PDF
SECURE YOUR VEHICLE
Car burgulars will seize the opportunity to enter unlocked vehicles. Don’t make your car an easy target by leaving your car doors unlocked.
- Always lock your doors.
- Spare car keys should not be stored in or on your car; thieves know where to look.
- Don’t forget to close windows and sunroofs.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in the vehicle.
- Park in a well-lit parking area.
- Consider installing a car alarm or a security device, and place anti-theft stickers on your vehicle.
DON’T LEAVE VALUABLES IN VIEW
Take extra precautions to avoid a criminal window-shopping inside your car. Never give thieves a reason to break into your vehicle and steal your belongings.
- Place any property in the trunk before you get to your next destination.
- Do not leave possessions on the passenger seat.
- Never hide expensive possessions under the seat, as this is the first place burglars check for stored items.
- Never attempt to cover valuable items left on the seat or floorboard of your car; blankets and articles of clothing present a hidden clue to thieves that items may be underneath.
- Do not leave any important documents in your car that contain your personal information.
SHOPPING TIPS
Don’t let busy shopping habits leave you vulnerable to theft and other crimes of opportunity.
- Always stay alert to your surroundings.
- Never distract yourself by placing belongings in your vehicle while talking on the cell phone.
- Do not make unneccessary trips to put away packages inside your vehicle. Remember, you may not see a criminal but a criminal always sees you.
- Never use the excuse, “I’ll only be gone a few minutes,” to not secure your belongings and lock your doors.
GET HELP
If your car is broken into or stolen, notify the police immediately. Be prepared to give the following information:
- Date, time and location of the crime
- Vehicle description to include the year, make, model, license plate and/or VIN number
- List of valuable items inside your vehicle
- Any suspect or witness information
Common items stolen from vehicles:
- CDs
- Tools
- Purses
- Laptops
- Briefcases
- Sunglasses
- Car Stereos
- Checkbooks
- Credit Cards
- GPS Devices
- Loose Change
- Mobile Phones
- Shopping Bags
